Boston Speaks Up For Protected Bike Lanes

At a crowded meeting Wednesday night at Boston City Hall, attendees packed into Room 801 to review the 25% design plans for the Connect Historic Boston bike trail and share their thoughts on the project.

One after another, citizens came up to the microphone to voice their support for the proposed network of cycle tracks around downtown Boston and the North End. A common theme expressed by many speakers was how this project would not just serve those who already ride bikes, but inspire new people to try riding for both transportation and recreation.

MassBike Executive Director David Watson spoke in favor of the project, saying, "Some people doubted Hubway when it was first launched, but it has quickly become part of the city's fabric faster than anyone imaged. So too will this project become a part of the fabric of Boston."

He added that, while he is generally in favor of the current design, he wanted to see particular attention paid to the intersection treatment and signal timing, and more consideration given to how commuter cyclists will enter and exit the cycle track on Causeway Street.

You can review detailed plans and meeting minutes from past public meetings on the project here.